The New Face of Music
written by Lorou the owl

It is impossible to escape this 23-year-old British singer! Born in Lebanon, Beirut in 1983, his family left his country because of the Gulf War. He is a talented, young and handsome man with lots of hair! Some would say he looks like a degenerate dandy! Mika describes his songs like a mixture between Beck, Queen and Elton John. For this singer, music is another type of escape..His inspirations come from the Bee Gees and a lot of British bands. We can listen to the result on his new opus, the name of which is “Life in carton motion”. This album is an essential for your record library! His voice sounds like his idol Freddie Mercury with a bit of George Michael.

There is no doubt that you will love him ! If I were you, I would look for his album immediately.


http://www.mikasounds.com/uk.php

AIDS

AIDS

Since 1996, big progress has been made in the fight against AIDS and MST. A big progress in the use of different therapies made the annual number of deaths linked to AIDS drop from 3000 in 1996 to 400 in 2004.
It is imortant to note that that there is still no treatment that can cure AIDS, only prevention and attentiveness remains effective. Indeed, every year since 2003, 6000 to 7000 people learn that they are HIV-positive.

For more information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIDS

Michael JACKSON
written by: Ybée


Because Michael Jackson is the only star to have made 52 million record sales (of “Thriller”)... because he is the one who touched us so deeply, with his magical voice, and his fragile personality... because he is considered by many to be the best dancer and the best singer in the world... because he is a really generous man, who always thought and still thinks of the poor people in the world... and because he represents all that we feel, I believe he is the king of pop.

Some know more about Michael Jackson's next album. The famous music magazine Rolling Stone proposes on page 19, in its 1019th publication, an article about the collaboration between Michael Jackson and Will.i.am together, they recorded 8 songs. One of them is entitled “I' m Dreamin'” (“I dream”).


Just imagine the impact of a Michael Jackson come-back, 15 years after his last show. I’ve never seen my favourite star because I am too young! But I have always known that he was not over. “We are waiting for you, and we love you Michael”.

About the author
I am Ybée. I am 15 years old, and I live in Paris. I am a girl. I love literature, reading and writing. I would like to learn many other languages. I love Music which is my passion, and I play the piano. I am a fan of Michael Jackson, and if you admire the King too, you will find all the information about his COME – BACK right here!!

http://www.mjuniverse.com/
http://www.mjfrance.com/

Mark Jacobs
Written by: Bibo

The famous and talented designer Marc Jacobs has created, for his collection spring-summer 2007 and for our pleasure, new pieces, which are always more and more spectacular every season.

56 models walked in a Paris salon with multicolored clothes, and all kinds of hats and shorts. Marc Jacobs showed us satin and jersey dresses, tunics over slim pants, and skirts. They were the basics of the designer. It was in fact a collection based on the seventies. "I wanted something narrower", said the designer describing the new silhouette for the show.

The models came covered with the new creations for the show. Marc Jacobs explains that the collection is a reflection of what's going on with him personally.

Author introduction
I am 15 years old. To introduce myself, I’m a girl and I enjoy listening to music, and hanging out with my friends. I am also fond of reading and shopping. I wrote a press article about fashion and I hope you will find it interesting and entertaining. I have chosen to speak about the designer Marc Jacobs because I love his creations and because I respect his talent and his work.


for more information on Mark Jacobs:
www.Style.com/Runwayreview

War in Iraq: America`s Challenge
by: Chameleon

SITUATION IN IRAQ .

Today there are a lot of talks about how America is rethinking its situation in Iraq and how to get out of this war . 2/3 of the American population have said that they disagree with the war, and believe that it should end. American experts have said that if “America is not winning, that means we are losing.” Today there are 144,000 troops in Iraq, but President Bush announced that 60,000 troops more would be sent to Iraq .

There were reasons for the war in Iraq ?

~to prevent the maintenance of the province of Qnbar ,
province of Al Quaeda
~to ensure and protect some areas.

American experts said that this would be possible only if Iraq helps the American troops, but the population of Iraq might disagree. Only time will tell us how the situation will change.

To know more about the war in Iraq :

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/

to see American troops with :

1 Casualties
2 Special operations forces
3 Full U.S. and allied arsenal

maps of Iraq

• Compilation of maps

this article was written by Chameleon.

The Kyoto Protocol : Hope for the Blue Planet

Written by: Napoleon

The Kyoto Protocol was adopted at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and was opened on the 11^th of December, 1997 in Kyoto, Japan.

Many countries (169) that have signed it, like the European Union and Japan, have had to reduce their emission of greenhouse gases before February, 16th 2005.

The objective is the "stabilization " of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous interference with the climate system. Each country’s emissions must be reduced between the years 2008-2012.

The scientists have predicted an increase in temperature by 1.4°C to 5.8 °C between 1990 and 2100.

The EU and its Member States ratified the Kyoto Protocol in late May 2002.

Something has to be done.

For more information about this topic:

Environment - Climate Change- The Kyoto protocol

Kyoto Protocol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kyoto Protocol

by Napoleon

Living in France
by Lucy

Do you know that the famous Hotel Georges V. is owned by a Saudi Arabian, the Prince Al-Walid ben Tabal Ibn Saoud ? Or that the Egyptian Mohamed Al-Fayed owns the Ritz ?

More and more foreign estate investors do shopping in France. 75 % of the investors in hotel businesses are from a foreign country.

Indeed, France really attracts people because of the sun, the beautiful stones and the low prices. British people for example own half a million of houses in France. They own so much in Dordogne that it is sometimes called the Dordogneshire.

Mick Jagger launched the fashion 25 years ago when he bought a pretty and nice castle in Touraine. A British newspaper has even made an aticle to advise British people on this point .

But the newest shoppers are Russian. In 4 years, 238 million Euros were invested by the Russians in luxury real estate.
Then what is the matter? You could you say.
Many make reference to the Corsicans and Bretons because they are not keen on seeing foreigners “invade” their land, and sometimes there are clashes.

And now, there are some people helping these foreigners : they offer their services for the British people who want to buy in France.

Further on : http://www.bonneau-services.com/




http://www.le-guide.com/
map of properties for sale in Brittany

2007: A Catastrophic Season!
written by Nananas and Beatrice

After a good beginning in this football season, the Bayern Munchen is in a free-fall !

First there was a victory (Bielefeld 0:1), but the hope was followed by big losses. They lost against the Aix-la-Chapelle team and came in 4Th place. A result which is not satisfactory for Ottmar Hitzfeld’s players.
But was the match versus Real Madrid the beginning of a recovery?

During the match against Real Madrid, there was a little problem. The professional footballer Van Bommel made a gesture to the public when a Spanish supporter deflected the goal from their team. For this act, Van Bommel had to pay a fine of 6,200 euros because the jury thought that in such a tournament, the players have to show fair-play.

Fabio Capello declared at the pre-match conference that the best defense was the attack. In spite of that, they came to the Quarter finals. The Germans surprised the Spanish team and scored a goal (1:0). The second try was made in the 66th minute by Lucio. A penalty was granted. Then, because of the blocking of Van Bommel, the Spanish Diarra Real Madrid succeeded in getting the last goal of the match. Great !!!!

Albert Arnold Gore, Jr.
by: Foxtrotter

Albert Arnold Gore, Jr.(Al Gore) was born on March 31, 1948 in Washington DC. He is an American politician, a teacher, a businessman, and an environmentalist. From 1993 to 2001, he was the 45th Vice President of the United States under the Clinton administration.

He was the Democratic nominee for the 2000 election. He won over half a million votes, more votes than the Republican candidate George W. Bush. After a month of recounts of votes in the state of Florida, the Supreme Court decided to end the race with the victory for Bush.

Today, Mr Gore is President of the American television channel Current TV, president of Generation Investment Management, a director on the board of Apple Inc., and an adviser to Google's senior management. He lectures a lot on the topic of global warming, which he calls "the climate crisis".

Gore has a contract to write a new book, The Assault on Reason. This book will be published on May 22, 2007. While he said that he has no intention of running for Presidency again, it is thought that he is a potential candidate for the 2008 election.


More information about Al Gore on http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=g000321

Planet in Danger!
by plumi

For a few years, the climate of the blue planet has been changing. Water is getting warmer and warmer and some species are disappearing: polar bears, lions, fish…
The level of the water is becoming higher and higher, and the population is getting more and more numerous.

Global warming is believed to be the cause of several disasters. Man is responsible because much of the air pollution (cars, chemical industry, smog firms and factory…) is human pollution. The ozone layer is in danger because of us. The people who recycle are in minority.
Some would say we are too selfish; why are we driving our car instead of using our bicycle? Why are we using the light when we do not need it?

If nobody changes his or her behavior, the blue planet will be in danger.

China said that wealthier, developed countries must reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The economy is a more important cause than the wasting of water.

We have to be aware of our impact on nature, on the planet, and on the future generations, because the situation is getting worse and worse.
It is time for us to react !

for more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming

The Return of a Great French Singer


The singer Michel Polnareff returns to France after 30 years in America. Michel Polnareff was born on July, 3rd 1944 in Nerac. His mother, Simone Lane, was a dancer and his father worked with Edith Piaf. His first record was “La Poupée Qui Fait Non”. This record was a great success. His second record ”Love me please love me” was a great success too. In 1973, he went to the United States because the man who managed his fortune was a scoundrel. Michel Polnareff was financially ruined.


In America, he composed many songs such as “Jesus for tonight”. He had problems with his eyes and he had to undergo a surgical operation to correct them in 1989. On March 2nd, 2007, he performed at a concert at the Palais Omnisport de Paris-Bercy. It was a success, and he continued to give concerts in France (Rennes, Lyon…).At the beginning of the concert, he said: « J'ai pas préparé de discours, mais je dirai: Enfin!".

by snobidoudou

Vista
written by @t

Vista is the new software from windows. People have been waiting for this new software because it will revolutionize the computer world with all its new applications.

Vista is totally different from the old versions of windows like Windows 95, 98, 2000, or XP. All these old versions were based on the same source: DOS, the first software created by Bill Gates and used on the first IBM computer.

During that time, many bugs happened. But now, with Vista, there will be fewer bugs because Vista is not based on DOS. Vista includes many different and new applications. The aero system allows a better circulation between all the windows. Besides, the new software will increase the processor speed. This new technology is very interesting, but it is also very expensive. People who want to have the new software have to change their computer and buy 64 bits (the new generation). They are more expensive and you have to add software like Vista, and Open office …





Find More Information on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Vista

CHAOS IN IRAQ


by geugré la menace and elbaptisto

In 2003, George W. Bush decided to send soldiers into Iraq to fight against terrorism. Since this date, 3,000 Americans have been killed and 22,000 have been injured. Since the fall of Baghdad and the arrest of Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi resistance has organised.

In Iraq there are daily attacks against the U.S Army, making the rebuilding of the country difficult. The Iraq people are afraid to lose their family members because of the bombing.

Despite the public’s opposition, Georges W. Bush continues to believe in success in Iraq. He has also decided to send 20,000 more soldiers.

Day after day the situation becomes worse and worse without the UN’s reaction.

map of Iraq:
http://www.plateformehumanitaire.asso.fr/Journal/j-2003/carte_irak1.jpg

Saint Patrick’s Day

by: Foxtrotter



Saint Patrick’s day is the day which annually celebrates Saint Patrick (385-461) one of the patron saints of Ireland. This feast day is celebrated on March 17th, the day when Saint Patrick died .

History

Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in 385. He studied in a monastery, near Auxerre, for twelve years. However, Saint Patrick wished to return to Ireland and also to convert the pagans. He travelled to Ireland and established monasteries across the country.

His mission in Ireland lasted thirty years. After this time, Patrick retired to County Down . He died on March 17th, 461 . His death has been commerated as St. Patrick's Day since 461 .

The celebration of St. Patrick's Day started in America in 1737. The first year the public celebration of St. Patrick's was in Boston , Massachusetts .

The celebration

Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated all over the world by Irish and non-Irish people .
The St. Patrick's Day parade in Dublin is a part of the five-day festival. Over 500, 000 people were at the 2006 parade. The biggest St. Patrick's Day parade is in New York City. In many parts of North America, Britain, and Australia , many people who are not Irish also celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

In 2007, there will be the first annual St. Patrick's Day parade and festival in the Scottish city of Glasgow, where there is a big Irish community.

Recent history

In the recent past, Saint Patrick's Day was celebrated only as a religious holiday. It became a public holiday in 1903 .

On this day, many Irish people wear a lot of shamrocks on their caps, or green, white, and orange clothes (the colors of the Irish flag ).





More about Saint Patrick’s day on http://www.anglaisfacile.com/free/stpat.php or http://www.st-patricks-day.com/index.asp

POP CULTURE FINDS LOST BOYS
by Valen the lentil

Today, child soldiers can become stars...

Child warriors who are African orphans and are often drug addicts, are considered a real phenomenon in Europe.

Since our society has not known war for almost 50 years, we can remember our past through their situation. However, these children should not be considered circus animals just because they inspire pity and fear. For example, when these children of war go to Great Britain, they are exposed to the media .

When a child has known such hard times, he can find it difficult to begin a new life in a different country and find it hard to forget about the past.

When these children come into a western society, they are considered as heroes but is it really the best solution for their new life ?

Child warriors have great difficulty rebuilding their lives again especially when everyone makes them live in the past. We cannot continue to expose their lives like this.

We have to act to help them.

for more information :

http://web.amnesty.org/pages/childsoldiers-index-eng

CANDIDATES : IF YOU COULD FIGHT IN THE DARFUR CIVIL WAR, would you?

by: Lorou the owl


The organization Urgence Darfur organized an important meeting on March, 20th at La Mutualité in Paris. This was to alert the candidates of the presidential election about the situation in this region of Sudan.

The philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy and Bernard Kouchner, who co-wrote Médecins sans frontières and Médecins du monde, were present.

The organization had invited the candidates to ask them how they intended to act on the question of Darfur. This region of West-Sudan has known the civil war for four years.

Only François Bayrou, the candidate of the UDF, answered this call.

Urgence Darfur includes the following associations : Communauté Rwandaise de France, la Fédération Nationale, associations franco-african B'nai B'rith France, la Licra, SOS Racisme and the Union des étudiants Juifs de France.

The question can still be asked.

The Future is Red: English Red Pillar Boxes



Where did they come from?

They were created in 1853, 13 years after the foundation of the penny post.
The Royal Mail red pillar box is one of the most familiar items of British street furniture. Its inventor is an English novelist Anthony Trollope, who worked for the postal service in both Britain and Ireland for 30 years.

Pillar boxes always wear the monogram of the English kingdom, and one of the examples are the initials V.R., for Queen Victoria.
Their designs have changed a lot and a study of the part they play in the national postal system can be surprising and fascinating.


English Heritage and Royal Mail promised to preserve 85,000 of England's remaining pillar boxes, describing them as "national icons". They are wonderful things, regarded with great affection.

English Heritage's chief executive, Sir Neil Cossons, said the day before, "They have every quality of good design."

It is true !

For more information:


http://www.icons.org.uk/nom/nominations/pillarbox


Biographies of the Authors:

My name is Lorou the owl. I am sixteen years old. I am the youngest in a family of three children. I have a twenty-four year old sister, and a twenty year old brother. Drawing and painting are my passions, but music is also very important to me.


My name is Valen the lentil. I am a young girl who is 15. I live next to Paris and have two brothers and one sister. I like drawing, hanging out, playing music and theater .

What are the Different Pollution Threats to Our Planet?

On our blue planet, we can find many forms of pollution which cause the greenhouse effect. Many now believe that human activity is responsible for the climate change.

_Air pollution is generally caused by the release of chemicals into the atmosphere. Those are produced by industry and motor vehicles.

China, the United States, Russia, Mexico and Japan are the world leaders in air pollution emissions. Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen that are emitted by this air pollution can cause acid rain.

_A lot of chemical products are thrown in the rivers by industry. This water pollution is dangerous for the fish and other species of animals who drink this water.

_ Soil contamination occurs when chemicals are released by spill for example.


_We have been discovering radioactivity for 50 years; unfortunately it now causes radioactive contamination.

We have to protect our blue planet !

For more informations :
Air pollution - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Water Pollution
Soil Contamination - Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x17xos_bande-annonce-une-verite-qui-derang


By Napoleon

Bush and Immigration Reform

Wednesday 14 th march
By Chameleon

George W. Bush has finished his tour in Latin America and promises to reform immigration laws.

He made this promise to the Mexican president Felipe Calderon when Bush was speaking about a 700 mile wall on the border .
Immigration was the subject of the meeting between George W. Bush and Oscar Berger, the president of Guatemala .



• President Bush agreed to help immigrants but he added that the 11 million immigrants already in the USA was an issue which had to be resolved by the congress. President George W Bush spoke at Hacienda Xcanatun in Mexico where he made the promise to Felipe Calderon, the Mexican president .

•Democrats ( who have disagreed with the president on many issues ) are now open to any suggestions from the president about immigration. Some say that President Bush is trying to compromise because he feels that his position as a leader is often criticized and threatened.

Democrats added that the reform ideas about Colombia, in particular, must be changed or they will not approve the propositions made by President Bush. It is extremely important to note that Democrats are the majority in the Congress .

•In Columbia Bush was not welcome. There were people protesting.

We will see what will happen.





To see more information :
Bush's grand tourUS president promises migration reform push on Latin America trip
Help with the vocabulary :
Dictionnaires en ligne

Europe Takes Measures of Prevention

by Polotib2 and titidou714


Jose Manuel Barroso, the European Commission President, and the European Union leaders have just adopted a common aim on the use of renewable energy to limit greenhouse gas emission.

The 27 countries of Europe are deciding how they will contribute to meeting a 20% overall boost in renewable fuel use by 2020.

The EU leaders said they would cut CO2 emission by 20% from the 1990 level by 2020. These decisions are taking place to protect the planet from the global warming.

see the site of european commission:http://ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm
see more about: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6433503.stm

The Birth of a Quieter and Environment Friendly Plane


Many people are flying every day, so the greenhouse gas emissions are increasing. A team of researchers in Britain and the US have designed a new aircraft which could decrease pollution caused by that type of transport.

The team has succeeded in making a quieter plane that is also 35% more fuel-efficient than any other aircraft.

However, designing such a revolutionary prototype is expensive and risky, and aircraft manufacturers are not ready to make such an important investment.

Therefore, the SAX-40 will not necessarily be built .

Yet with increasing concern over global warming and climate, they might change their mind and we could see a radical change in aicraft design.

We must be patient, because this plane will not take-off before 2030 !

Besides, I think that governments should play a more active role by giving funds to make this kind of research happen.

Written by Lord of the time and Scoob

For more information:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6120132.stm#crosshead3

Why should you read Handcarved Coffins by Truman Capote ?


The first reason is because it is a sensational story of a murder.

It is more precisely a series of murders. It is a captivating, catching, fascinating, and amazing story. It could seem basic at first glance – a mysterious case with a serial killer where every victim has received a handcarved coffin – but it is not.

Secondly, there is the amazing description written by Truman Capote.

His style is so modern, and so unique. You read it and you truly feel like you are watching a movie.

Thirdly, you should read it because it has been written by Truman Capote, the great Truman Capote who has delighted generations and generations of passionate readers with his short stories and novels.

To say the truth, I have only read the first 70 pages of this book. But I can assure you that you will not waste your time if you decide to follow my advice.

Believe me. You will, indeed, be enchanted by the singular prose of Truman Capote.

Read it in English, of course !

Truman Capote's site



By Lucy